Gospel Reading – Matthew 12: 14-21
The Pharisees went out and conspired against Jesus, how to destroy him. When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known.
This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smouldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for
Reflection
The Pharisees went out and conspired against Jesus, how to destroy him. Chilling words indeed, even more so when their only reason was that they found Jesus’ integrity and powerful message of love a real threat to their power. Yet the crowds, the simple people, followed him. So many good people are destroyed because they pose a threat to the corrupt and deceitful, sometimes even in the Church itself. I ask God to have mercy on us and on our world, and to purify my heart.
In these events the evangelist sees the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah about the Servant of God, the one on whom the Spirit of God is bestowed, making him strong yet meek in carrying out his mission to the very end. I look at length at Jesus as I let this unique person touch me, so strong yet so gentle and meek. O most sacred heart of Jesus make my heart like unto yours.
- Jesus mirrors the Suffering Servant, who is full of gentleness and compassion. ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love’ (Psalm 103:8). Am I a bit like him?